For off-road enthusiasts, capability isn’t optional — it’s kind of the whole thing. The best off-road vehicles are built to go where others can’t, tackling rocky trails, muddy river crossings, and desert dunes with equal ease. But in 2026, drivers also expect their rigs to handle the daily commute, weekend errands, and long highway drives without feeling punishing. The sweet spot lies in combining trail-tested strength with real-world comfort and tech — a balance few vehicles truly achieve.
That’s why this year’s winner stands tall as a fan-favorite for decades. The 2026 Toyota 4Runner has evolved a bit beyond its roots, but it has not lost what made it a trusty machine. It’s still unapologetically tough, still built for adventure, but now with a squirt of modernity that makes it just as capable of hauling kids to school as it is climbing slickrock in Moab.
Why We Picked The Toyota 4Runner
Toyota injected some new life into the old dog for 2026. Built on the same TNGA-F platform as the Tacoma and Land Cruiser, the new 4Runner finally brings modern engineering to its ancient underpinnings. It’s lighter, stronger, and packed with features that make off-roading easier and more intuitive. Look, while the 2026 4Runner is probably as usable as it’s ever been, many enthusiasts will still opt for the older, simpler versions. It’s hard to fault either party.
Adding to the anger of some and the delight of others, the 2026 4Runner has two available powertrains; The base i-FORCE is a turbocharged 2.4-liter making up to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. There’s an optional i-FORCE MAX hybrid version that also gets a boost of power from the turbo whirly boy, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Slapped on top of all that, the updated Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control systems allow drivers some assistance for nearly any surface they might struggle against.
Inside, it’s a different world from the spartan interiors of 4Runners’ past. The cabin now features high-quality materials, a great big ol’ touchscreen running Toyota’s latest infotainment system, and thoughtful touches like wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports. For the first time in the 4Runner’s long life, folks don’t have to dread the tarmac parts of the drive. This is a nice truck now, at least a lot nicer than we’ve ever seen for a 4Runner.
Lastly, Toyota hasn’t forgotten what people love about the 4Runner. There is a fancier interior for people who need that. There’s a powerful, hybrid powertrain option and a gas-only option. For those of us who love Toyota 4x4s, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner is simply too good to overlook.
The Other Off-Roaders That Almost Made The Cut
There is no shortage of great off-road vehicles today. Though ORV old heads might pine for the analog era, there’s little doubt some good trucks are being built today, and roaming trails as we speak.
Ford Bronco Sport
Despite its petite packaging (compared to its big brother), the Ford Bronco Sport is a wonderful off-road vehicle. It’s got clever driver modes, a decent powertrain, a comfy interior, and a little bit of ground clearance from the factory. It’s a great option, but it just isn’t quite as purpose-built and, frankly, proven as the 4Runner is. Not for nothing, but the Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a proper 4×4 option. Instead, only AWD, which, while a great feature, isn’t the same as a proper locking 4×4.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT
The electric Hyundai might feel like a strange one to be on the short list of great off-roaders, but there’s something about outfitting a small, modern EV in dirt clothes and letting it loose. It’s tough, efficient, and offers an off-road experience much closer to racing on dirt than crawling over rocks. It looks cool and has a little bit of that thing that makes us give it a second look. But naming it the best off-roader for 2026 would be a tough call considering the conventional prowess of the 4Runner.
The 4Runner Remains King Of The Hill
It will be tough to unseat the 4Runner from its throne atop the heap of rugged off-roaders, if only for the fact that any other vehicle would have a difficult time following the Toyota’s tire tracks through the mud, snow, rocks, and whatever other obstacles one may find along the way. Not only is the 4Runner supremely capable, but this latest iteration provides all the modern wonders and creature comforts one expects from an on-road daily driver capable of hauling the holy family. Meanwhile, it remembers its roots, and remains true to them, and to the loyal fans who have the distinct — and often dusty — pleasure of owning one.